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UMass Amherst Chancellor David Scott Optimistic and Encouraged by House Budget

March 30, 2000

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AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts Chancellor David K. Scott issued the following statement in response to today''s release of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means budget:

"I am optimistic and encouraged by this very positive action on the part of the House leadership. It represents a very decent increase for the University. We are especially grateful to Speaker Finneran, Majority Leader Nagle, and Chairman Haley for their support. I believe that this budget shows that the legislature is seriously trying to help the Amherst campus.

"If this forward momentum is sustained throughout the budget process, we may be able to make some modifications to our proposed budget adjustments for next year. The process is certainly unfolding in the right direction.

"The deferred maintenance appropriation is particularly meaningful. If passed, it would mean that we would not have to take extra money from next year''s operating budget to pay for infrastructure needs. Instead, more money could go toward the support of the academic area.

"While the House has yet to complete its action and the Senate has yet to act, we expect and hope that the University will be treated well as the budget process continues. It is a long process, but we are very encouraged with today''s news.